[Vinnie]

The Venezuelans have had refueling capability for something like 40 years I believe, and one of the major selling points of the SU30s they bought (among others, including anti-shipping missile capability) is its inflight refueling capability which gives it the range to pose the threat

Looking at the map posted earlier I think all Chavez would need is the cooperation of Chile to put his forces in the thick of it.

However Chile would be very foolish to do so as we import tons of fresh vegetables and fruit from them and I'm sure that would end pronto.

BTW, we helped Britain w/ material and transportation during the Falklands war. IIRC C-130 trips to the Ascensions primarily.

[Jeff Head]

Or, as I mentioned earlier, he could, with Argentina's cooperation, fly them down there to be a part of any attack, or occupation. With the range of the SU-30MK2s and the refueling capability, he could do it.

But the Brits are much better prepared now though with a battallion sized defense force on the Island I believe, with a flight of typhoons based at Stanley, and (in all probability) with a SSN lurking around the area.

An assault force will have a much tougher time getting to the island and then on it this time around.